Narrated by Ashley Judd, “The Eyes of Thailand” tells the true and inspirational story of Soraida Salwala’s quest to help two elephant landmine survivors–Motala and Baby Mosha–walk on their own four legs. Treating their wounds was only part of the journey; building elephant-sized prostheses was another.

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"The Eyes of Thailand" screened in Bangkok for an international symposium on landmine victim assistance.

Thailand hosted a Special Screening of “The Eyes of Thailand” at an international symposium to enhance assistance and cooperation among mine-affected countries.

The three-day Bangkok Symposium on Cooperation and Assistance: Building Synergy towards Effective Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention Implementation began on June 23 with a field visit to the Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Centre, which provides care for persons with disabilities, including landmine survivors.

At the welcoming reception that evening, more than 100 experts and diplomats representing over 35 countries and 10 international and non-governmental organizations attended a Special Screening of “The Eyes of Thailand”, featuring Soraida Salwala,founder of the world’s first Elephant Hospital (FAE), which has treated 15 elephant landmine victims since opening in Thailand in 1993.

“It was a big honour to FAE and me that there was the request to have ‘The Eyes of Thailand’ screened at the welcoming reception,” writes Soraida. “In the welcoming speech by the Deputy Director General of the Department of International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, kindly talked about how ‘The Eyes of Thailand’ was made and the inspiration it has caused to many that have seen it. I was so overwhelmed, tears filled my eyes.”

Narrated by Ashley Judd, the 10-time award-winning documentary shows Salwala’s quest to help two elephant landmine survivors walk again on their own four legs. Treating their wounds was only part of the journey; building the world’s first elephant prostheses was another.

His Royal Highness Prince Mired Raad Al Hussein of Jordan, Special Envoy of the Convention, gave a keynote address and highlighted the “need to strengthen national ownership and seek efficient and creative ways to implement mine clearance and assist landmine survivors.” He congratulated Soraida’s achievement and innovation to heal and protect Thailand’s elephant casualties.

Soraida Salwala, Founder of FAE's Elephant Hospital, and His Royal Highness Prince Mired Raad Al Hussein of Jordan, Special Envoy of the Convention.

“His Royal Highness kindly enquired how Motala and Mosha were doing, their prosthetic legs and other victims of landmines,” she writes. “I am so honoured and could not help but feel that the world needs more people who care deeply about the victims of landmines, be them human or animals—and in this case the elephants.”

The needs and rights of landmine survivors, including the plight of the elephant landmine survivors, featured prominently in the Symposium, sponsored by Australia and Thailand and supported by the Convention’s Implementation Unit (ISU).

“I could never thank you enough for the hard work you did and the work and support of so many people who have made ‘THE EYES OF THAILAND’ reach out to the world,” Soraida said.

125 students, faculty and staff "lend their legs" to ban landmines at a Lend Your Leg USA screening of "The Eyes of Thailand". (c) Seattle University.

Albers Student Clubs ask students to “Lend Their Legs” at a film screening about elephant landmine survivors.

Seattle University Albers Student Club presents a Special Screening of “The Eyes of Thailand” as part of the Lend Your Leg celebrations on International Mine Awareness Day. The Film will screen on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 12:30pm at The Quad, Seattle University. (In case of rain, meet at the PACCAR Auditorium, Pigottt Building). For more information visit <http://tinyurl.com/SeattleLYL>.

“The Eyes of Thailand” is directed/produced by Windy Borman and produced by Tim VandeSteeg. The 10-time award-winning documentary, narrated by Ashley Judd, tells the heartwarming and heroic true story of Soraida Salwala, who dedicated 10 years of her life to help two Asian elephants—Motala and Baby Mosha—walk again after losing their legs from stepping on landmines.

Judd writes, “The Eyes of Thailand is a story of sacrifice and perseverance that shows how far one woman will go to save an endangered species from threats above and below the surface. I hope it will raise awareness to protect Asian Elephants—and all beings—from the terror of landmines.”

Seattle University joins the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) and hundreds of activists around the world in the global Lend Your Leg campaign, which asks individuals to roll up their pant leg in solidarity with landmine survivors in order to urge decision makers to take action. Lend Your Leg was launched by the Colombian NGO Fundación Arcángeles in 2011 to call attention to the issue of landmines and their devastating effect on communities in Colombia and throughout the world.

Lend Your Leg campaigners urge governments that remain outside the Mine Ban Treaty to join immediately and all governments to take steps towards achieving a mine-free world including: speeding clearance of contaminated land; providing more and better assistance to survivors, their families and communities; and destruction of all remaining stockpiles of antipersonnel mines.

“The Eyes of Thailand” was awarded the “ACE Documentary Film Grant” from The Humane Society of the United States and “Best Documentary” Awards from the FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival and the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival. The film has also garnered Humanitarian, Green, Rising Star, Animal Advocacy and Animation awards since its World Premiere in April 2012.

We had the honor of traveling to FAE’s Elephant Hospital with practioners of TTOUCH™ and Craniosacral Therapy in 2010 and 2012. Below is a conversation with two of them, Anne Snowball and Patty Coggan, about their work on FAE’s elephants, including Mosha, Motala and Boonmee, who are featured in “The Eyes of Thailand” now available on DVD.

What is TTOUCH? What types of animals was it designed for?

Anne Snowball: TTOUCH™ is part of the Tellington Method which aids in rebalancing both animal and human mentally, emotionally, and physically. The method incorporates the TTOUCH™ body work and ground exercises to build confidence, overcome negative behavior patterns, and release pain and fear. It differs from massage as it works with the nervous system and the body at the cellular level. Further, TTOUCH™ involves gentle, non-habitual, movements of the skin bringing sensory awareness and trust. Originally developed for horses, its universality has expanded into companion animal and wildlife rescue communities.

How did you hear about the elephant landmine survivors at FAE?

Anne: I was volunteering at a major wildlife symposium focusing on endangered African species when Director/Producer Windy Borman approached me and posed the question of the plight of the Asian elephant. During our conversation, I was fascinated by the work that she was doing with the Asian elephant in Thailand and immediately realized this was an ideal place to apply TTOUCH™ .

Patty Coggan: I was part of the team that Anne put together to go to Thailand and work on the elephants and teach the mahouts techniques that would help the elephants heal. [Anne and I] had met in an advanced training of craniosacral therapy for equines. Anne and I work together on large animals combining both TTOUCH™ and Craniosacral Therapy. The synergy of both methods has proven to be very effective.

Why did you think TTOUCH™ and Craniosacral Therapy might help Mosha, Motala and Boonme at FAE?

Patty: The technique gives the caregivers another tool to use to help the healing.

Anne: These three elephants had not only been traumatized physically by the loss of a limb, but some had also lost their mother and been deserted by their mahouts (owner/care giver). Utilizing TTOUCH™ in the daily care of these gentle giants would help restore the quality of life they deserved.

What did Soraida Salwala (FAE’s Founder) think about the idea?

Anne: She was quite skeptical, but curious!!!

What it was like seeing the elephants for the first time?

Anne: I was overwhelmed with grief and sadness for the atrocities these elephants had endured. I also was so inspired by their incredibly intrepid spirit and their serene nature! I remember taking a deep breath realizing what potential TTOUCH™ could bring to FAE.

Patty: The spirit of the hospital was at first sight very professional. As I stayed there longer and observed, I saw and felt the tremendous healing going on there. The wound to Boonmee, who was our primary elephant Soraida asked us to work with, was frightening. Poor thing had given up on living and Soraida was very concerned.

Anne: We approached her waiting to see if she would acknowledge our presence by raising her trunk in greeting. When she remained motionless we cautiously raised our hands to her forehead, palm side down, lifting the skin toward the top of her head in very tiny movements and waited for her response – within 2 minutes our hands were suddenly thrust up in the air. Then she lifted her head with an acquisitive eye as if to say, “What just happened?” Then she started slowly swinging her trunk. That afternoon we returned to see her eagerly eating bananas and bamboo shoots, and her caregiver was all smiles!

Patty: As we worked with Boonmee and released the trauma, she became herself again…. a bit feisty and willing to eat again. Animals are willing to give up trauma and are not as attached to it as humans are. After Boonmee trusted us—trust found through the work we did with her—she let go of so much and the light in her eyes returned.

Anne: Mosha, the youngster, grew to enjoy our hands, as well, whether it was feathering the strands of hair at the end of her tail, relieving pain with TTOUCH lifts on her hind end, or doing mouth work with touches all over her tongue and roof of her mouth. Almost always she would greet us with her trunk raised in greeting.

Motala was the grand matriarch and oldest of landmine patients at FAE. She was gracious each time we stopped to work with her, remaining at the edge of her enclosure to take full advantage of what we could do for her. Her mahout was always at her side, eagerly waiting to follow our hands with his in unison as we worked her entire trunk. Her skin was so rough I thought, how can she feel us? But her alert eyes would soften within minutes.

Motala, the matriarch at FAE's Elephant Hospital, presents her injured leg for TTouch and Craniosacral work in 2010. (c) Eyes of Thailand, LLC.

You performed TTOUCH™ and Craniosacral Therapy on Mosha, Motala and Boonmee in 2010 and 2012. What had changed for the elephants in those 2 years?

Anne: We returned to FAE in 2012 to a very warm welcome by the staff and Soraida.

Patty: I had always heard about elephants remembering. I was very eager to see if it was true.

Anne: Our joy in seeing Motala, Moshe, and Boonmee was uncontainable! Motala remained just that much older and wiser in our presence. Mosha also had matured but did not forget TTOUCH™– only this time she softly purred in response to hair slides to each bristly hair growing over her forehead!

Patty: Mosha was happy to see us and didn’t purr so we could hear it, but vibrated her whole body in greeting as we worked on her. I had a feeling that she was letting all the elephants there know that we were there again. She is such a loving animal!

Anne: But Boonmee was the most compelling! In our greeting she raised her trunk, which I cupped in my hands and softly I exhaled into her trunk. Her trunk then almost caressed my shoulder and chest.

Patty: As soon as we rushed to see Boonmee, I knew she remembered us. She turned as we approached, her eyes bright. As we touched her, she caressed us with her trunk…. yes, she remembered. And as we touched her face she purred, happily greeting us and telling us she was glad we were once again with her.

Anne: Two years had passed in which her recovery had been problematic and frustrating. She had not been able to fully accept normal weight on her bad foot. The second day she allowed me complete access to her injured leg and foot. I worked from her shoulder to her knee with circles and lifts, which she encouraged me to continue far longer than I had expected by leaning gently into my hands with each touch. On the third day as we walked up to see her, her trunk was arched high, and she was completely weighted on her injured leg. These were the kind of results we had only hoped for but surely did not expect to observe.

Patty: She was more trusting to let us work with her and completely “let us in”, so we could work core to core.

Anne: Both staff and Soraida were exuberant as well over her sudden progress.

What changes did you see in the elephants after their TTOUCH™ sessions?

Anne: They had soft, contented eyes, robust appetites, and wonderful greetings the following day with trunks lifted high.

While at FAE’s Elephant Hospital, you shared your TTOUCH™ and Craniosacral Therapy experience with Soraida and the staff. What was it like teaching them?

Anne: Encouraged by Soraida, the staff was open and receptive in spite of the language and cultural differences. They were particularly observant of their elephant’s reaction to us when we demonstrated ear work, circle touches on the shoulder area, and lifts on their legs – each touch designed to relieve the stress and tension. They enjoyed following our hands as we traveled over their bodies. Touching the mahouts was culturally prohibited but they finally allowed us to perform the touch on their forearms to understand the pressure and technique. We also placed our hands as guides over their hands when in contact with the elephants. A smile, grin, or giggle amongst themselves acknowledged their growing enthusiasm in learning this new tool.

Patty: I worked with Dr. Kay and she seemed very interested in the work, as well. I remember feeling a sense of gratitude that even a medical Dr. was open to learning new techniques. It was a cultural adventure to teach someone, who did not speak the same verbal language, but appreciated the language of touch.

You also treated Ekhe in the fall of 2012. How did you treat her? Do you think it helped her passing?

Patty: By the time we worked with Ekhe, she was very ill. She had an infection that had spread to her central nervous system. The first day she was quite agitated. We kept our distance that day and worked on her from afar. The next day was teaching the mahouts the TTOUCH™. She had calmed down by then as they worked with her. She seemed to respond well. At one point I was able to work with her head….at times there were moments when she could focus on what was going on. We assured her we were there to help her and support her no matter her decision.

Anne: Elephants have big families. I felt I had been adopted into hers as I showed her mahout the lift TTOUCH™ that provided the comfort and support during her passing, Small light touches were performed visualizing her perfection.

Was there any moment or experience from either trip that was especially memorable?

Anne: The whole experience was frankly one of the most exciting experiences in my life. I would never be able to focus on any particular moment that was especially outstanding, but if I were forced to choose I would have to say the connection made with Boonmee was remarkable. Feeling her come back and be present was an honor and the way she recognized Patty and me on our return. The end of her trunk nestled in our hands and caressed our shoulders for several minutes in welcoming us back to FAE.

Patty: On our last visit, we told her verbally, that if she wanted to go down with the other elephants (and not stay in the rehab unit) she would have to walk and put weight on her front leg. Two days later Sorida posted on Facebook that she had walked “ like a normal elephant”. No surprise to us.

D.V.A. Productions, in Association with Indiewood Pictures, is proud to announce thenationwide DVD release of “The Eyes of Thailand”. FilmWorks Entertainment distributes the film and DVD orders can be placed at http://eyesofthailand.com.

“The Eyes of Thailand” is directed/produced by Windy Borman and produced by Tim VandeSteeg. The 10-time award-winning documentary, narrated by Ashley Judd, tells the heartwarming and heroic true story of Soraida Salwala, a passionate woman who dedicated 10 years of her life to help two Asian elephants walk again after losing their legs from stepping on landmines.

“The Eyes of Thailand” was awarded the “ACE Documentary Film Grant” from The Humane Society of the United States, the “Best Documentary” Jury Award from the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival, and “Best Documentary” Audience Award from Flickers: Rhode Island International Film Festival. Salwala received the “Best Heroine in a Wildlife Film” Award at the International Wildlife Film Festival and was nominated for the “People and Nature” Panda Award at the Wildscreen Festival. The film has also garnered Humanitarian, Green, Animal Advocacy and Animation awards since its film festival premiere in April 2012.

The elephant stars of the film have been capturing the hearts of people worldwide and were featured in National Geographic, Yahoo, Takepart.com, Huffington Post and IndieWire.

Ashley Judd narrates the 10-time award-winning film out February 26, 2013.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (February 5, 2013) – D.V.A. Productions, in Association with Indiewood Pictures, is proud to announce thenationwide DVD release of “The Eyes of Thailand” on February 26, 2013. FilmWorks Entertainment distributes the film and DVD orders can be placed at http://eyesofthailand.com.

“The Eyes of Thailand” is directed/produced by Windy Borman and produced by Tim VandeSteeg. The 10-time award-winning documentary, narrated by Ashley Judd, tells the heartwarming and heroic true story of Soraida Salwala, a passionate woman who dedicated 10 years of her life to help two Asian elephants walk again after losing their legs from stepping on landmines.

Judd writes, “The Eyes of Thailand is a story of sacrifice and perseverance that shows how far one woman will go to save an endangered species from threats above and below the surface. I hope it will raise awareness to protect Asian Elephants—and all beings—from the terror of landmines.”

Borman began following the story after meeting Soraida, Mosha and Motala in Thailand and seeing their journey from landmine victims to survivors. “Witnessing Mosha and Motala take their first steps on their new prostheses was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I cannot wait to share it with the world.” said Borman.

“The Eyes of Thailand” was awarded the “ACE Documentary Film Grant” from The Humane Society of the United States, the “Best Documentary” Jury Award from the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival, and “Best Documentary” Audience Award from Flickers: Rhode Island International Film Festival. Salwala received the “Best Heroine in a Wildlife Film” Award at the International Wildlife Film Festival and was nominated for the “People and Nature” Panda Award at the Wildscreen Festival. The film has also garnered Humanitarian, Green, Animal Advocacy and Animation awards since its film festival premiere in April 2012.

The elephant stars of the film have been capturing the hearts of people worldwide and were featured in National Geographic, Yahoo, Takepart.com, Huffington Post and IndieWire.

FilmWorks Entertainment is an independent film, television, and specialty program Distribution Company located in Santa Clarita, California. Established by film makers for film makers FilmWorks acquires, produces and releases programming worldwide across all platforms. For more information about FilmWorks Entertainment, please visit www.filmworksent.com

“THE EYES OF THAILAND” SCREENS AT THE UNITED NATIONS FOR THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MINE BAN TREATY

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines co-presents the nine-time award-winning film about elephant landmine survivors in Geneva.

San Francisco, CA (November 26, 2012) – DVA Productions, in association with Indiewood Pictures, is proud to present a Special Screening of “The Eyes of Thailand” as part of the 15th Anniversary of the signing of the Mine Ban Treaty. The Film is co-presented with the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and will screen during a side event at the 12th Meeting of State Parties on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 1:00pm at the Palais des Nations (8-14, avenue de la Paix, 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland in Room XIX). Special Guests include Director/Producer Windy Borman. For more information visit <http://eyesofthailand.com>.

“The Eyes of Thailand” is directed/produced by Windy Borman and produced by Tim VandeSteeg. The 9-time award-winning documentary, narrated by Ashley Judd, tells the heartwarming and heroic true story of Soraida Salwala, who dedicated 10 years of her life to help two Asian elephants—Motala and Baby Mosha—walk again after losing their legs from stepping on landmines.

Judd writes, “The Eyes of Thailand is a story of sacrifice and perseverance that shows how far one woman will go to save an endangered species from threats above and below the surface. I hope it will raise awareness to protect Asian Elephants—and all beings—from the terror of landmines.”

Yeshua Moser-Puangsuwan, researcher for the Landmine Monitor annual country report on Myanmar/Burma, states, “No one knows how many people and creatures in Burma are casualties of antipersonnel mines. Elephants, the largest land animals, are an unfortunate symbol of a large man-made catastrophe being experienced by all who live on the frontiers of Burma.”

Borman, a US filmmaker, became involved in the landmine issue after meeting Salwala, Mosha and Motala in Thailand in 2007 and seeing their journey from landmine victims to survivors. “Witnessing Mosha and Motala take their first steps on their new prostheses was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I hope the film will serve as a reminder that there is still work to be done to eradicate landmines,” said Borman.

“The Eyes of Thailand” was awarded the “ACE Documentary Film Grant” from The Humane Society of the United States and the “Best Documentary” Jury Award from the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival. Salwala received the “Best Heroine in a Wildlife Film” Award at the International Wildlife Film Festival. The film has also garnered Humanitarian, Green, Rising Star, Animal Advocacy and Animation awards since its World Premiere in April 2012.

The Film will Premiere at Twin Cities Film Festival on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 5:30pm at the Showplace ICON Theater (1625 West End Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 5541). The Film is Directed/Produced by Windy Borman and Produced by Tim VandeSteeg, a Minnesota native and Special Guest for the Minnesota Premiere.

After losing their legs from stepping on a landmine, two elephant survivors are given a second chance to walk again in this powerful and heartwarming story of sacrifice and perseverance. “There are documentaries that make you think, those that make you feel, and then those like ‘Eyes of Thailand,’ that leave you shaken, inspired and unable to see the world the same ever again. We couldn’t be more honored to celebrate a film like this – one of vision, passion and heart. It is cinema at its most electrifying”, said Steve Snyder, Artistic Director at Twin Cities Film Fest.

“The Eyes of Thailand is a story of sacrifice and perseverance that shows how far one woman will go to save an endangered species from threats above and below the surface. I hope it will raise awareness to protect Asian Elephants—and all beings—from the terror of landmines,” said Ashley Judd.

“The Eyes of Thailand” was awarded the “ACE Documentary Film Grant” from The Humane Society of the United States. Jonny Vasic, Director of the ACE program says, “The Eyes of Thailand is an inspiring and unique documentary that will open up hearts and minds about the amazing veterinary work being performed at the Asian Elephant hospital.”

The film received the “Best Documentary” Jury Award at the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival and Soraida Salwala received the “Best Herione in a Wildlife Film” Award at the International Wildlife Film Festival. The film has also garnered Humanitarian, Green, Animal Advocacy and Animation awards since its World Premiere in April 2012 at the Newport Beach Film Festival.

The elephant stars of the film have been capturing the hearts of people worldwide and were featured in National Geographic, Takepart.com, Yahoo, Huffington Post and IndieWire.

“When I met Soraida, Mosha and Motala in 2007, I knew I discovered an untold story that I needed to share with the world. Witnessing Mosha and Motala take their first steps on their new prostheses was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I cannot wait to share it with the world,” said Director/Producer Windy Borman.

“The Eyes of Thailand” is a story that embodies heart, courage and compassion to make a real difference and improve the lives of others, no matter whatever obstacles stand in your way,” said producer Tim VandeSteeg.

“The Eyes of Thailand” is directed/produced by Windy Borman and produced by Tim VandeSteeg. The 8-time award-winning documentary, narrated by Ashley Judd, tells the heartwarming and heroic true story of Soraida Salwala, a passionate woman who dedicated 10 years of her life to help two Asian elephants walk again after losing their legs in landmine incidents.

Judd writes, “The Eyes of Thailand is a story of sacrifice and perseverance that shows how far one woman will go to save an endangered species from threats above and below the surface. I hope it will raise awareness to protect Asian Elephants—and all beings—from the terror of landmines.”

Mines Action Canada is thrilled to partner with One World Film Festival to bring “The Eyes of Thailand” to Canada during the 20th anniversary of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. Paul Hannon, Executive Director said “This film demonstrates the indiscriminate nature of landmines and how in mine affected areas no one is safe until all the mines are cleared. Windy Borman graduated from our Youth Leaders training in 2010 during the filming of ‘The Eyes of Thailand’ and now that the film is finished we’re very excited to help One World Film Festival and Windy share this story with Canadians.”

Borman became involved in the landmine issue after meeting Soraida, Mosha and Motala in Thailand and seeing their journey from landmine victims to survivors. “Witnessing Mosha and Motala take their first steps on their new prostheses was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I cannot wait to share it with Canada – a country known for its leadership in the movement to ban landmines. I hope the film will serve as a reminder that there is still work to be done to eradicate landmines so that all beings can walk without fear” said Borman.

“The Eyes of Thailand” was awarded the “ACE Documentary Film Grant” from The Humane Society of the United States and the “Best Documentary” Jury Award from the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival. Salwala received the “Best Heroine in a Wildlife Film” Award at the International Wildlife Film Festival. The film has also garnered Humanitarian, Green, Animal Advocacy and Animation awards since its World Premiere in April 2012.